Written By Khadijah Aliyu; Edited By Godwin Duru
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer and two other suspects for their alleged involvement in the smuggling of gold and foreign currencies through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects, identified as Ali Baffa, an Inspector I with AVSEC, Aushabu Nasidi, and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, were apprehended during a surveillance operation conducted by the EFCC at the airport.
According to the Commission, the arrests were made on June 11, 2026, following a directive by the EFCC Chairman to all zonal directorates to intensify efforts against the smuggling of mineral resources and bulk cash through Nigeria’s international airports.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars valued at more than N4.4 billion inside his trousers in an attempt to evade security screening and facilitate the illegal export of the precious minerals through international passengers.
The EFCC disclosed that further investigations led to the arrest of Nasidi, who allegedly supplied the gold bars to the AVSEC officer.
Upon his arrest, operatives reportedly recovered several foreign currencies from Nasidi, including 3,000 Saudi Riyals, 40,000 Turkish Lira, 199.75 Kuwaiti Dinar, 20,700 Philippine Pesos, 80 Australian Dollars, 310 Chinese Renminbi, 4,000 Algerian Dinars, 40 Hong Kong Dollars, 26,000 Hungarian Forints, and 1,000 Sudanese Dinars.
The investigation subsequently led to the arrest of Dan Zaria, who allegedly handed the gold bars to Nasidi for onward transfer.
While being questioned by investigators, Dan Zaria allegedly admitted to smuggling approximately 40.2 kilograms of gold between June 1 and June 11, 2026, using the same method.
The EFCC said all three suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
The Commission added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
